By Stephen Alfano
Sometimes work is just a set of tasks designed to keep a project (or project sponsor) on the path to success. All too often, these perfunctory work packages get ignored when it’s time for the kudos and accolades, which leaves the burdened employees feeling underappreciated, or worse—undervalued.
How often does this happen? According to the TINYpulse 2015 Employee Engagement & Organizational Culture Report*, 2 out of 3 employees don’t feel strongly valued for the work they do. In other words, two-thirds of the workforce surveyed felt they were doing thankless tasks.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to this perceived slight: Employers need to give thanks to their employees every chance they get.
Why saying “thank you” works so well:
1) Employees crave recognition. There is nothing more demoralizing than an arduous task followed by an apathetic response from management. Giving thanks to your employees helps make the connection between the company’s goals and the workforce’s desire to be part of something important.
2) Esteem is fleeting. And cooperation should never be taken for granted. Giving thanks to your employees helps reinforce the notion that you hold your team in high regard at all times.
3) Empowerment begins with emotional attachment to the outcome. If people only worked for wages, then we would all be replaced by robots in no time. Giving thanks to your employees helps ensure that they will truly put their heart into every request.
To learn more about showing appreciation in the workplace, check out this additional insight:
Why Saying ‘Thank You’ Is More Important Than Giving Employees a Raise
Copyright © 2016 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Importance of Saying Thank You, and Why You Should Say It Often
Copyright © 2014 Gawker Media Group. All rights reserved.
THE UNDERAPPRECIATED ART OF SAYING “THANK YOU”
Copyright © 2016, The Dilenschneider Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
*Copyright © 2016 TINYpulse®
How do you show your workforce the appreciation they deserve?
About the Author: Stephen Alfano is an Organizational Development Consultant and Communications Expert. He has over 20 years experience in leading and managing internal and external marketing initiatives for both private and government sector clients. His résumé includes providing both new business and business process improvement services to Apple, American Express, AT&T, California Department of Transportation, Chevron, Entergy, Levi Strauss & Co., Louisiana Office of Tourism, Mattel, Microsoft, Novell, SONY, Sutter Health, and Wells Fargo. Stephen currently works as an Executive Consultant with KAI Partners, Inc., providing change management and communications expertise and support services to California State Departments. Follow Stephen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/B2Bbizbuilder